Comparison of computer interface devices for persons with severe physical disabilities

Area of Science:

• Assistive Technology
• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Individuals with severe physical disabilities often require specialized computer input devices.
• Evaluating the performance and user experience of these devices is crucial for effective assistive technology selection.
• Existing research may not comprehensively compare multiple input methods across key performance and user-centered metrics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the performance of three computer input devices: Tongue Touch Keypad, HeadMaster, and mouthstick.
• To assess input speed, accuracy, and perceived exertion among users with severe physical disabilities.
• To examine user acceptance of the evaluated interface devices.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive case study design was employed.
• Four students with severe physical disabilities participated in the study.
• Performance metrics included input speed, accuracy, and perceived exertion; user acceptance was also recorded.

Main Results:

• Mouthstick demonstrated the fastest input speed, followed by HeadMaster, then Tongue Touch Keypad.
• No significant differences in input accuracy were observed across the devices.
• Tongue Touch Keypad was rated as requiring the lowest perceived exertion by most participants.

Conclusions:

• Device performance (speed, exertion) varied, but overall performance did not directly correlate with user acceptance.
• Therapists can utilize this comparative data to inform recommendations for computer interface devices.
• The findings highlight the importance of considering both objective performance and subjective user experience in assistive technology evaluation.